What Causes Autism Spectrum Disorder
There is no clear-cut cause of ASD. Some causes that are supported by research include genetic and some environmental factors. Specific genetic causes can only be identified in 10% to 20% of cases. These cases include specific genetic syndromes associated with ASD and rare changes in the genetic code.
Risk factors include older parental age, low birth weight, prematurity and maternal use of valproic acid or thalidomide during pregnancy, among others. This field of study is an active one for reasearch.
Managing Symptoms Of Pdd
Treatments for PDD-NOS are mostly similar to those meant for other types of autism. However, children diagnosed with PDD-NOS are advised to pursue an Early Intervention Program for a preschool child or Individual Education Program for a school-age child.
Regardless of where you may find yourself on the spectrum, or your child may be on the autism spectrum, there are several resources available for managing symptoms of autism spectrum disorder .
Why This Terminology Is No Longer Used By Doctors
The spectrum illustrates a broad range of developmental delays and symptom severity.
ASD includes people who have a few mild autistic traits to those who need help with day-to-day functioning. It represents every intelligence level, as well as varying degrees of communication and social abilities.
The differences between one type and another type can be subtle and difficult to determine.
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Autistic Disorder Vs Asperger Syndrome
Autistic individuals and those with Aspergers are commonly known to have difficulty in social and behavioral situations, as well as in forming and maintaining relationships. They may both struggle with picking up on social cues or reading body language. Autistic people who are higher-functioning and those with Aspergers often excel in academics compared to those who are not considered high-functioning. The biggest difference between autism and Aspergers is that symptoms are less severe in those with Aspergers and there are not typically language delays.3 Aspergers individuals also tend to have interests in particular subjects that border on obsessive.;;
What Are The Different Types Of Autism A Simple Guide
As a parent or guardian, its very typical to worry about your childs development. Raising a child can be very rewarding, but this responsibility will require a lot from you. For one, you need to make sure that your child grows happy and healthy, and is free from any kind of disorder, like autism, for instance.
Autism spectrum disorder, or simply autism, is a broad range of conditions that is usually characterized by having challenges in ones social skills and nonverbal communication, as well as repetitive behaviors. Autism is one of the most common disorders in the United States as it affects 1 in every 54 children.
When left untreated for long periods, autism can result in difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships, social isolation, and familial discord. These can adversely affect a persons mental and physical health.;
Are you wondering what are the different types of Autism? If yes, check out our guide on the key signs to look for and main things to understand.
Are you a parent, caregiver, friend, or friend of someone with autism? If so, its helpful to understand the different types of autism.
Having this information will make it easier for you to understand the illness and help your loved one cope with it. This is especially important if your child has been diagnosed with autism.;
Aside from checking reliable websites, such as Fired Up People, below youll find a simple guide to the main five different types of autism.
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Asperger Syndrome Generally Involves:
- Hypersensitivities
- Difficulty with the give and take of conversation
- Difficulty with nonverbal conversation skills
- Uncoordinated movements, or clumsiness
- Anxiety and depression
The tendencies described above vary widely among people. Many learn to overcome their challenges by building on strengths.
Though the diagnosis of Asperger syndrome is no longer used, many previously diagnosed people still identify strongly and positively with being an Aspie.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder Previously Called Autism And Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the following:
- Difficulties in social communication differences, including verbal and nonverbal communication.
- Deficits in social interactions.
- Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities and sensory problems
Many of those with ASD can have delayed or absence of language development, intellectual disabilities, poor motor coordination and attention weaknesses.
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Social Communication / Interaction Behaviors May Include:
- Making little or inconsistent eye contact
- Tending not to look at or listen to people
- Rarely sharing enjoyment of objects or activities by pointing or showing things to others
- Failing to, or being slow to, respond to someone calling their name or to other verbal attempts to gain attention
- Having difficulties with the back and forth of conversation
- Often talking at length about a favorite subject without noticing that others are not interested or without giving others a chance to respond
- Having facial expressions, movements, and gestures that do not match what is being said
- Having an unusual tone of voice that may sound sing-song or flat and robot-like
- Having trouble understanding another persons point of view or being unable to predict or understand other peoples actions
What Is Asperger Syndrome
Asperger syndrome, or Aspergers, is a previously used diagnosis on the autism spectrum. In 2013, it became part of one umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 .
Typical to strong verbal language skills and intellectual ability distinguish Asperger syndrome from other types of autism.
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What Is The Outlook For People With Autism Spectrum Disorder
In many cases, the symptoms of ASD become less pronounced as a child gets older. Parents of children with ASD may need to be flexible and ready to adjust treatment as needed for their child.
People with ASD may go on to live typical lives, but there is often need for continued services and support as they age. The needs depend on the severity of the symptoms. For most, it’s a lifelong condition that may require ongoing supports.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Through research, there has been much that has been learned about autism spectrum disorder over the past 20 years. There is ongoing active research on the causes of ASD, early detection and diagnosis, prevention and treatments.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/29/2020.
References
What Is High Functioning Autism
Many neurodevelopmental conditions vary in expression. Such is the case for children or individuals with autism. Theres a common saying in the autism community that no two people with autism are the same, and this is because traits of autism are different between each and every single person on the spectrum.
Autism symptoms can vary depending on where on the spectrum the person or child is. Now, theres no linear line that defines where on the spectrum the person may find themselves; however, the spectrum is generally classified between either high functioning autism or low functioning autism.;
In this article we will briefly dive into defining what autism is, and thereafter explore the topic of high functioning autism.
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What Are The 5 Types Of Autism
Autism refers to a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorders. If your child is living with autism, it is important for you to understand the various types of autism and the symptoms presented by each.
Understanding the unique challenges presented by each type of autism will guide you in helping your child cope with the disorder. There are five major types of autism which include Aspergers syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, Kanners syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.
Is Rett Syndrome Autism
Rett syndrome or Rett disorder has also been called autism-dementia-ataxia-loss of purposeful hand use syndrome.
But its not included on the autism spectrum. Its a brain disorder caused by genetic mutations.
Classic Rett syndrome usually affects girls who display typical development for the first few months. Then, symptoms start to appear, involving issues with:
- language and communication
If you think your child might have symptoms of autism, speak with their pediatrician or a primary care physician. They can refer you to the appropriate specialist, such as a:
- developmental pediatrician
- psychiatrist or psychologist
You can also request an evaluation from your states public early childhood assistance center. Its free, and you dont need a doctors referral or diagnosis. Your local public school district can also provide assistance.
Theres no one medical test to diagnose autism spectrum disorder. A doctor can make the diagnosis with a comprehensive behavior evaluation and developmental screening.
Some people on the spectrum need minimal support services. Others require a lot. Either way, early intervention is associated with long-term positive effects.
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What Are The 5 Different Types Of Autism
The different kinds of autism include:
- Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder , previously called Aspergers Syndrome;
- Rhett Syndrome, although this has been removed from the spectrum;
- Childhood Disintegrative Disorder ;
- Kanners Syndrome or Classic Autistic Disorder; and
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified .
Clinical Development And Diagnoses
Leo Kannerearly infantile autism
The word autism first took its modern sense in 1938 when Hans Asperger of the Vienna University Hospital adopted Bleuler’s terminology autistic psychopaths in a lecture in German about child psychology. Asperger was investigating an ASD now known as Asperger syndrome, though for various reasons it was not widely recognized as a separate diagnosis until 1981.Leo Kanner of the Johns Hopkins Hospital first used autism in its modern sense in English when he introduced the label early infantile autism in a 1943 report of 11 children with striking behavioral similarities. Almost all the characteristics described in Kanner’s first paper on the subject, notably “autistic aloneness” and “insistence on sameness”, are still regarded as typical of the autistic spectrum of disorders. It is not known whether Kanner derived the term independently of Asperger.
Kanner’s reuse of autism led to decades of confused terminology like infantile schizophrenia, and child psychiatry’s focus on maternal deprivation led to misconceptions of autism as an infant’s response to “refrigerator mothers“. Starting in the late 1960s autism was established as a separate syndrome.
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Autism Therapies And Services
In order to deal with these types of autism, some services are available to handle it. These services are variously divided into many therapies and reliable way to explore great caring entities. Therapies are very much likely to be given in proper institutes and I am focusing on providing the best for the patients of my centered category.
- Speech Therapy
- Gluten Free Casein Free Diets Diets
- Use of Vitamin, Supplements and various nutrition sources.
- Psychological Therapy Sessions.
These are the kind of treatments which not at a higher level of risk because these are not generated from rigorous scientific knowledge. These are just natural resources making life better and treat-able.
How Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Play
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder tend to be less spontaneous than other kids. Unlike a typical curious little kid pointing to things that catch their eye, children with ASD often appear disinterested or unaware of whats going on around them. They also show differences in the way they play. They may have trouble with functional play, or using toys that have a basic intended use, such as toy tools or cooking set. They usually dont play make-believe, engage in group games, imitate others, collaborate, or use their toys in creative ways.
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What Parents Should Know About An Asd Diagnosis
While doctors will generally now diagnose someone with ASD and a level, doctors might still refer back to pre-2013 diagnoses in an informal way, especially if they are trying to help a family better understand the kind of support their child might need, according to Frazier.;
For instance, when Huftons older son was diagnosed, her childs psychologist told her that he was considered low-functioning because he required so much assistance to make it through the day. But when her younger son was diagnosed two years later, she had come to focus less on labels and more on her sons unique traits.
Given her experience, Hufton encourages parents to consider their child as an individual. My childrens future is not based on where they fall on the spectrum, she says. My childrens future is based on what we help them achieve. What their interests are and what their strengths are. The extra labels have nothing to do with that. As a parent, I advocate for them to get accommodations and services that will help them based on what I observe about them individually.;
When it comes to fixating on a specific label, Shore couldnt agree more. Its up to educators, therapists, parents and others in allied fields to avoid thinking of autism as a series of deficits, disorders and disabilities, Shore says. The potential of people on the autism spectrum is the same as everyone else: unlimited.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Accepted Term
Autism spectrum disorder is the accepted term for people with autism symptoms. This one acronym encompasses many people, behaviors, and levels of impairment.;
Autism Speaks explains that no one is exactly sure what causes ASD. It’s likely that a combination of genetics and environment is to blame. Similarly, researchers aren’t sure what causes some people to live with mild impairment, while others need around-the-clock caregivers. There’s a lot we just don’t know about autism despite years of intense research.;
Years of observation highlight typical autism signs and symptoms. Those include changes in:
- Responses to stimulus. People with autism may not point at objects to highlight interest, and they may not look at things others point to.
- Relationships. They may not relate to other people. Some don’t seem troubled by their lack of connection, while others want to get close and aren’t sure how to make it happen.
- Touch. Some dislike being hugged, held, patted, or squeezed, even by people they know and trust.
- Speech. Some echo or repeat words while forming few full sentences. Others don’t talk at all. Some talk extensively, but only about subjects that interest them.
- Routine. Many like to stick to the same schedule every day, and they feel distressed when things change.;
- Senses. Some people with autism feel overwhelmed by loud noises, strong scents, or high levels of visual stimuli.
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Related Signs And Symptoms Of Autism Spectrum Disorder
While not part of autisms official diagnostic criteria, children with autism spectrum disorders often suffer from one or more of the following problems:
Sensory problems Many children with autism spectrum disorders either underreact or overreact to sensory stimuli. At times they may ignore people speaking to them, even to the point of appearing deaf. However, at other times they may be disturbed by even the softest sounds. Sudden noises such as a ringing telephone can be upsetting, and they may respond by covering their ears and making repetitive noises to drown out the offending sound. Children on the autism spectrum also tend to be highly sensitive to touch and to texture. They may cringe at a pat on the back or the feel of certain fabric against their skin.
Emotional difficulties Children with autism spectrum disorders may have difficulty regulating their emotions or expressing them appropriately. For instance, your child may start to yell, cry, or laugh hysterically for no apparent reason. When stressed, they may exhibit disruptive or even aggressive behavior . The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities also notes that kids with ASD may be unfazed by real dangers like moving vehicles or heights, yet be terrified of harmless objects such as a stuffed animal.
Savant skills in autism spectrum disorder
The Journey From Classical Autism To Autism Spectrum Disorder
Till about the 1970s, the classical autism studies included all shades of ASD bundled under a generic term Autism.
Today, however, physicians, therapists, and researchers consider each of these five categories while;referring to specific autism symptoms:
- Autistic Disorder also known as;Classical Autism
- Aspersers Syndrome
- Childhood disintegrative disorder also referred to as CDD
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Signs And Symptoms Of Asd
People with ASD have difficulty with social communication and interaction, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. The list below gives some examples of the types of behaviors that are seen in people diagnosed with ASD. Not all people with ASD will show all behaviors, but most will show several.
How Common Is Autism Spectrum Disorder
Based on most recent CDC report, ASD is estimated to affect about 1 in 54 children, with boys being more likely to have ASD than girls. There were more than 5 million adults in the US, or 2.21% of the population, with ASD as of 2017. Government statistics suggest that the prevalence of ASD has risen 10% to 17% in recent years.
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Autism Is A Spectrum Disorder
The answer to what is autism spectrum disorder is complicated. People withautism fall into different categories, exhibit different symptoms, and may not exhibit symptoms at all unless theyre facing certain triggers.The only way to know if your child or loved one has autism spectrum disorder is to speak with an experienced professional. If youre seeing certain behaviors that make you wonder if there are things you can do to better help your loved one live a happy and fulfilling life,schedule an appointment today.